Showing posts with label trends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trends. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

There’s nothing like the end of a year to make you hop around in your thinking.  While I’m busy considering the colour trends for 2015, I’m  also looking back to see connections and possible threads that can make these new colours have a little more staying power.

I’m interested in creating fresh looks through creative use of what is in a home, energized  with a few new purchases.  To pull this off you need a long term view of what is happening in the world of colour.  

Last year dark blues were prominent in  many of the images you saw in magazines and online, first appearing in Pantone’s fall 2013 predictions.  That is still a strong look and one that  will  hang around for awhile.

If you look at Pantone’s spring  2015 predictions you will see several tints/shades of blue.

Pantone colours spring 2015

source

My favourite is 4 Classic Blue because it is crisp and deep without being too cold.  Check out  this combination of dark blue with natural colours.

Designing Home; colour trends 2015, modern country

There is also a fresh take on the “old” country look emerging with clean lines, less clutter, natural materials and prominent textures mixed with lighter woods.   Think pared down Pottery Barn.  I’ve packed a number of possibilities into this style board, but you wouldn’t want to use them all in one space.

colour trends 2015, olive green, Scandinavian , Designing Home style board

My personal preference  is more a mix of West Elm meets the Scandinavian countries. Notice the olive green which will be big in 2015.

Designing Home, Margaret Ryall, style board, colour predictions 2015, olive green

This colour would work just as well as the dark blue in the Modern Country look.   And it is so sharp with black and cream.

Pantone’s 2014 colour of the year Radiant Orchid came in like a lion, and obviously went out like a lamb because apart from what I saw online, it did not impact my life or design practice in any way.

 I actually liked this colour where many designers didn’t.  I’ve always loved those redish purple hues especially in textiles, but not so much in furniture.  If you bought into this trend, it is easily updated and made even more interesting when combined with yellowish greens.   Just check out the pillow lower left  for an indication of this blend as well as the rug and artworks.

And now for 2015 Pantone is staying in the same arena with its choice of marsala, but definitely browning it down quite a bit to create a heavy bodied colour.  Again not a favourite of many designers.

Pantone 2015, marsala, Designing Home, Margaret Ryall, style board

 I’ve seen combinations of it with a variety of blues even cool ones and they all look fantastic. It also looks great with the oddest combinations as you can see below. I’m particularly loving it with blues and light creams.

Pantone 2015, marsala, Designing Home, Margaret Ryall, style board
Who knew it would work so well with orange and coral? 
Since I only spec Benjamin Moore paint colours in my business, I am always interested in their colour trends. 

Benjamin Moore’s  2014 Breath of Fresh Air at least supported the spa/beach vibe that is still a go- to look with many homeowners.  It is a versatile colour that looks great with pearly grays, driftwood colours and soft or chrisp whites.  It also combines well with marsala and the current  Benjamin Moore colour for 2015, Guilford green.

 How can you possibly go wrong when you have two obvious “earth” colours like blue and green.  Nature never makes mistakes!

When you consider the metallics in your home, the move to warm metals is even more pronounced this year.

source 

Brittany Makes Blog 

source 

 In  European markets  copper and pink gold are hot commodities. They are not as versatile for all over use especially the pink gold which always comes across as very delicate/feminine.  

source 

 In North American decor golds and  brass are prevalent. I’m fond of a more burnished look with these metals.  I can’t seem to bring myself around to the shine of yellow brass – too much history. The yellow metallics look great with greens, dark blues and brownish reds like marsala.  And mixing metals is still very trendy.  Go for it.

Lots of connections.  Do you ever consider colour trends when you decorate?

The post Colour Trends: Looking back and looking forward appeared first on Decor Pur.

Monday, December 26, 2016

I am interested in following the latest  trends in interior design.   I need to know these things to have relevant discussions with clients and to understand where the industry is headed.  Many  trends come and go without ever hitting the average home.

Colour of the year is a good example of a temporary trend.  Depending on which paint company your like, you will have a different colour of the year!   I use Benjamin Moore paint and this year the colour of the year is ….


 Lemon Sorbet 2019-60

This is an interesting fact to know, but I doubt this time next year it will make much difference  because there will be a new colour of the year.

 Then there are broader colour trends that seem to last for much longer, e.g., the change from beige/brown to grays as the predominant neutral in home decor.  This type of information  is  more important to be aware of because it produces whole palette shifts in home accessories including textiles. The  change to grays has moved palettes from warmer and earthy  to cooler and cleaner colours.

 Rather than the burnt orange/rust  of the brown/beige  era
 source 
 you will now find  a more true orange mixed with grays.
 Rather than olive/mossy greens of the brown era…

  you will find fresh apple greens.
You can have such wonderful pops of colour with grays and this is
reflected in the vibrancy of home accessories available in the market
place today. 

 Several years ago I looked for emerald green accessories for a client.  It was almost impossible to find any!  Pantone’s colour of the year for 2013 is…

I find Pantone’s colour predictions have more impact on fashion and home decor than those of specific  paint companies. This year you will have no difficulty finding emerald green accessories.

 It is important to keep up with trends that will  impact big ticket, relatively permanent products like hardwood, tile and cabinets.  You do not want to select something that will be dated  quickly.  Awareness of these trends does not mean you have to buy into them.  Sometimes choosing exactly the opposite is the the best design solution for longevity.   That is why it is wiser to choose  more neutral  long term items for your home.

Homeowners  who jumped on the dark wood look  for kitchens will probably end up sorry for their selection sooner rather than later.     Extremes rarely work for long periods of time. I predict the patterned glass mosaic backsplash tile that is all the
rage now  will have run its course soon too.

 Reynolds Architecture- Northfield, Illinois

That’s why classic soft white kitchen cabinets will always work. There are no extremes in this kitchen.   The style is softly traditional, the tiles are plain and the counters are  lighter granite.   I know it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.  I am talking about what stands the test of time.

 
Staying with a traditional example, if you don’t like white, consider a more mid tone neutral  or  …
  mid toned stained  wood. 
Stay tuned for 2013 decor trends with staying power. 

The post Are decor trends important? appeared first on Decor Pur.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Here are predictions for 2013 that should  have some staying power…..

Geometric patterning
Really, geometric patterning has never  gone out of style; it has periods of resurgence and 2012-13 seems to be one of those periods.

source
source
Pantone’s colour of t he year 2013 (Emerald) in a  geometric trellis pattern  with a botanical motif on cushions.  I’ve always loved the look of florals and other nature inspired themes  with geometrics.What is fresher than white and green?

Nature motifs 
Naural elements run the gamut from  flora or fauna to stones and
seashells.  Use of feather motifs and faux furs are on the upswing .   Look for botanical or animal motifs in art,  fabrics, or accessories. 

Eye for Design

 Peacock feathers are everywhere lately.  I just saw a great display on the Pier 1 website and here’s another selection.  The colours are so fresh; you can’t go wrong with a peacock blue accent in your home.  It works with so many colours from chocolate brown to cream.

 
 Laurie Pearson 

More feathers, but this time the real thing used as a centerpiece.  

 Etsy
Found treasures on a lovely printed runner. 

 source 

West Elm 
And feathers lead to birds of every variety.  The lovely black and white accent chair or the graphic bird sheets  would work well with bold pops of colour – remember the peacock blue? 

Lighter hardwood floors 
I know everyone was talking about dark, dark, dark floors and cabinets over the last several years, but the trend is swinging back quickly.  That doesn’t mean you have to follow it.  Go with what you love.  Personally you would never get me to put dark wood in my home – too oppressive and heavy.  Whatever is in style my floors will be as light as I can get them. 

valerie pasquiou interiors + design, inc

 Pinterest

A
move back to lighter and mid tone woods especially bamboo is  trending
in the new year. Bleached  and grayed woods are everywhere.  Lighter tones are so much easier to decorate around and they provide a more expansive look  in smaller homes than the darker woods of the last several years. From Veranda
magazine…”When wood flooring is reclaimed or has the look of being
previously used
even if it wasn’t, it has a softer quality that allows it to blend in
as another neutral without calling too much attention to itself or
instantly drawing your eye downward.”

Resurgence in gold toned accents

 
Houzz

 Gold finishes are becoming more prevalent  in  furniture, lighting, and hardware.  They work especially well with complex grays and dark chocolate browns.

Open walls in kitchens

Pinterest 

Much of what is trending in kitchen design comes to North America from European design centres.  Travelling provides a glimpse into how different our kitchens are when compared to those in Europe where lighter and sleeker looks prevail. Slab doors, no handles etc.  Be prepared for a decrease in upper cabinets and more open space, supported by larger pantry areas.

Backsplash to the ceiling 

 Style at Home

Decor Pad


With the appearance of open spaces on walls above the stove or around a window, tiling goes to the  ceiling. Stainless backsplash tiles in both glossy and matte finishes are popular and will have good staying power as long as stainless appliances are around.  They work with wood and light cabinets. 
Mixed colours in cabinets
Pinterest 

 Cabinets in two colours are currently trendy, but be careful that you don’t create problems in balance when you have high contrast colours.  Be especially careful of this look in smaller spaces where it can look very chopped up.

 Houzz

 A darker island is always an option if you want to use two colours. Visual weight can be balanced by other darks in the space.

Reclaimed materials/eco friendly 

 Stylizimo

The
patina of reclaimed materials adds depth to a neutral scheme.
Repurposing, recycling and reusing  has been a strong trend for a number of years now and will continue as an earth friendly alternative to the consumption of new materials.  In eco- friendly style only the basics are considered
necessary and a 
less cluttered, more zen-like environment is created.

 

 Pinterest 

 You will often see the use of simple materials 
paired with more upscale objects like the zinc lamps and upholstered
ottoman. You can create an interesting room by blending objects of low and high prices, textures and design elements.

The post 2013 decor trends with staying power appeared first on Decor Pur.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

My choice for kitchen cabinets has always been white because I just don’t like living with dark colours or too much wood grain. I liked white before it became popular; I fought the natural oak trend when we built our home in the mid 80’s and now that  dark stained cabinets seem to be the going trend where I live, I continue to love white.

Just how popular are white cabinets?

  I decided to conduct a very unscientific poll using the kitchen section of Houzz.   I looked at the first 50 pictures of long views of kitchens  sorted by most popular today and here is what I found out:  Of the 50…..

8% were  natural wood or stained wood

 There was a mix of  stains…
 Laurysen Kitchens Ltd.
….from this very dark espresso like colour …
Paragon Kitchen & Bath Studio
…. to a mid value cherry….

Christian Gladu Design

…..to natural wood .
 14% were painted colours other than white/cream  

 Photographer Maxine Schnitzer Photography
Most of the cabinet  were lighter colours so this black  kitchen stood out. I think it works in dark because it is open to a much larger space and there is a liberal use of light creams and white. Working with dark cabinets has to be a balancing act or you end up with a cave.
  


T Architect Kemper Associates Architects, LLC

Yellow was perhaps the most  unusual colour choice   of the fifty surveyed kitchens and you would really have to love yellow to live in this kitchen. 

 Natalie DiSalvo

 You can never go wrong with a soft colour for kitchen cabinets.  This creamy green is light enough to open up the space, but you can still define it as a colour.  I think it was a good solution in this Craftsman style house where the traditional finish would have been stained wood.

JLF & Associates, Inc.

Who would ever think of a grayed lavender as a cabinet colour, but it really works in this atrium kitchen. The wood tone in the medium stained island  is repeated in several places throughout the space to create visual harmony. Grays with purple undertones actually work really well with mid toned woods, but it not a colour everyone likes. 

22% were white/cream with dark islands
 

Kitchen And Bath Venegas and Company

I think the darker island concept with white kitchens works really well  to add drama to a space. This  dark colour also grounds the room and integrates well with a darker hardwood floor.    Oh, to have all those drawers!
 Great Spaces!

Of the darker islands, the most prevalent colour was a deep stained brown.

 
2 % were white with a lighter coloured island 

 Birmingham General Contractor Structures, Inc.

Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc
 I think the soft blue/green works great with the wood tones in this very Mediterranean  styled kitchen.

54 % were white or off white
  

 Shuffle Interiors

 Of the kitchens I showed did you notice what the most popular floor treatment was?

And there you have it.  What’s your favourite cabinet finish?






The post Kitchen cabinet colour trends appeared first on Decor Pur.